Deodorizing composition



Patented Apr. 13, 1937 UNITED. STATES DEODORIZIN G COMPOSITION Alexander R. White, Mimico, Ontario, Canada, assignor to Deodor-X Company of Canada Limited, Montreal, Quebec, Canada No Drawing.

Claims.

This invention relates to the manufacture of-a deodorant with high germicidal properties which is adapted for the purpose of removing odors resulting from organic substances undergoing fermentation or putrefaction. The composition is particularly useful in connection with vehicles or vessels used in transportation service, although it has a wide range of uses in connection with the deodorization of washrooms, etc., in public buildings, schools or the like.

The composition of the deodorant contemplated in this invention consists, in its preferred form, of a combination of ingredients comprising formaldehyde, an alkali, potash soap, an essential oil and water. In its acid form, formaldehyde, besides being highly volatile and extremely difficult to apply with impunity, has a comparatively low pH value, has limited wetting properties, has .little affinity for substances undergoing fermentation or putrefaction and has limited deodorizing properties. By changing the formaldehyde from an acid to an alkaline condition, however, its characteristics are immediately altered so that its pH value is greatly increased, as well as its wettingproperties and it. also develops a high degree of afflnity for and ability to combine with offensive organic substances with which it is placed in contact.

In carrying out myinvention, I combine form- 3o aldehyde with an alkali, preferably sodium metasilicate (NmSIOaSHzO), an aromatic subcaustic soda and potash soap) and approximately 30 c. c. of a' 20% solution of potash soap, and. about 4140 c. c. of water. In making the sodium 5 metasilicate solution, one ounce, dry measur (30 c. c.) is dissolved in about 170 c. 0.0! water. In order to-make the essential oil, such as aromatic balsam, miscible with water and with the rest of the mixture, it is necessary to mix it with caus- 50 tic soda and a soap solution. To form a. solution or emulsion of this essential oil containing about 30 c. c., I therefore take about 10 c. c of the essential oil, 10 c. c. of caustic (NaOH) and 10 c. c of a potashsoap solution. When thoroughly mixed 55 together, the potash soap solution will saponify These ingredients are mixed in the fol- Application December 7, 1933, Serial No. 701,363

the essential oil andt-he mixture willform an emulsion that may be easily mixed with the remaining ingredients of the composition.

When making up a quantity of the composition, the above mentioned ingredients, in the proper 5 proportions, are placed in separate tanks, each of which is connected to a larger tank so that the contents will flow by gravity into the larger receiving tank. When the proper quantity of formaldehyde and water, alkali sodium metasilicate, 10 soap solution and essential oilemulsion have been emptied into the receiving tank, the contents are stirred or agitated for about one hour until the mixing of the ingredients is complete. The acid formaldehyde in contact with the sodium metasilicate becomes highly alkaline and the resultant mixture of the ingredients given in the formula above mentioned has a pH value of about 9.8, has a high germicidal efiiciencyand true deordorizing properties. This composition and its resultant action upon organic substances, differs from the usual oxidizing agents, such as ozone, hypochlorite or perborate, in that while these are oxidizing agents and are somewhatdestructive in their application, the present composition, because of its afiinity for and its ability to combine with organic substances undergoing fermentation or putrefaction, acts by combining with these offensive substances so that, after contact has taken place for about one hour, new compounds are formed which are both odorless and sterile, without any of the destructive influences of the oxidizing agents above mentioned. The ingredients in the composition remain in colloidal suspension indefinitely and, as the substance is non-toxic and non-injurious, it may be applied with perfect impunity to any class of equipment requiring deodorant or disinfectant treatment. It may be applied, for instance, to cleanse and deodorize refrigerator car equipment where the resultant odors from fermentation and putrefaction ofv organic substances have rendered the car unfit for further service for a considerable period of time. Refrigeratorcars or the like treated with this composition are completely disinfected and deodorized so that they may again be put into service within a few hours.- For such service, the ingredients may be mixedin the proportionsabove specified in which the proportion of formaldehyde solution constitutes approximately 10 by weight of the whole. I The proportion of formaldehyde may, however, be varied according to the class of equipment or material requiring treatment. For example, for disinfecting and deodorizing sleeping car equipment or the like, about 5% of the 55 formaldehyde solution would be suflicient, while for use in oflice buildings, washrooms and the like, about 2% of the formaldehyde solution would be suflicient. It is essential, however, that an alkali, 5 such as sodium metasilicate, be mixed with the formaldehyde so as to change the mixture from an acid to an alkaline condition. The addition of the essential oil is chiefly for the purpose of giving an agreeable odor to the mixture and other oils besides aromatic balsam may be used. The potash soap solution is effective in maintaining the ingredients in colloidal suspension so that no settling or precipitation occurs. In using this composition, no odor of formaldehyde can be detected unless and until the particles become finely divided and dispersed in contact with air.

What I claim is: 1. In a disinfectant and deodorant compound the combination of formaldehyde with sodium metasilicate in proportions giving a definitely alkaline product.

2. In a disinfectant and deodorant compound the combination of formaldehyde with sodium metasilicate in proportions giving to the product a pH value of approximately 9.8.

3. A disinfectant and deodorant compound 5 comprising formaldehyde mixed with sodium metasilicate in substantially the proportions-of one part of sodium metasilicate solution to two parts of a 40% solution of formaldehyde.

4. A disinfectant and deodorant compound 10 comprising approximately 10% of a 40% solution of formaldehyde, approximately 5% of a solution of sodium metasilicate, and approximately of water.

5. A disinfectant and deodorant compound 15 comprising approximately 10% or less of a 40% solution of formaldehyde, approximately 5% or less of sodium metasilicate solution, approximately 85% of water, and approximately 2% 01' emulsifying ingredients and aromatic agents. 20

ALEXANDER R. WHITE. 

